Page 2 of The Eternal Sea (The Shifting Fae 3)

I reached into the hidden pocket of my dress and pulled out the emerald ring. Holding my hand out, I showed the sailor. “I’ll pay you very well.”

His eyes widened, before he cursed and closed my hand with his. “Don’t be showing that type of coin around here.”

“Please, I need to leave. I can’t wait for the storm to pass.” I gripped the bag slung across my shoulders, hoping this young man would heed my call.

“It’ll cost more than that ring,” he said in a whisper. “Captain won’t be happy about taking any additional passengers, and I’m not trying to be shark bait by nightfall.”

With a quick glance to make sure no one was close enough to hear, I said, “I have a handful of precious jewelry that’s yours.”

The sailor sighed. “Fine, but you listen to what I tell you to do. What’s your name?”

“Havana.”

“I’m Declan, second mate. Anyone else traveling with you?”

“No, just me.”

“All right, well, keep that hood up. I don’t need the crew getting distracted before we leave port.”

I made sure my cowl was tight around my head, hiding my hair. “Don’t you get women travelers?”

Declan’s brow narrowed. “This is theRavager. Most of our passengers are men, and on very rare occasion they bring a woman. No woman in her right mind would want to board this ship.”

“What are you suggesting?”

He paused, the dimples I noticed before disappearing within his frown. “That you’re desperate, and if I don’t help you the wrong person will.”

My cheeks flushed with warmth. “That’s very kind of you.”

Declan smiled and scratched the back of his head. “Captain calls me a softy, but I just can’t help myself.”

As we boarded the ship, I kept my head down and forced myself to gaze at the wooden planks and not the men who I could smell from ten feet away. Someone shouted out docking orders and my heart raced.

Father would be furious when he discovered I escaped, and even angrier once he learned where—if he learned at all—my destination. I’d considered the repercussions of my actions and heading to the Oasis was worth any punishment. I refused to spend my life in quiet servitude to a man I didn’t love just to fulfill my duty. At least if I spent time at the Oasis experiencing all life offered, I could keep those memories close when the days and nights blended into one long, monotonous journey.

Growing up in the castle, I learned to hide in the shadows and listen to the stories of the lands of Saol. While each tale spun another magical adventure, none had made my heart soar like the great Oasis.

Hidden within a cluster of islands behind the Spires, the Oasis held every desire and beauty one could ever fantasize about: sparkling waterfalls, shimmering pink beaches, hidden grottos with mischievous pixies, birds who sang full melodies, decadent fruit, and most of all, a place where anyone could forget their troubles in the never-ending celebrations.

My plan was to spend one week in the Oasis. Onegloriousweek before returning home and fulfilling my duties like a good little princess. Some would think my plan ridiculous, and I didn’t care. It entitled me to live just once for myself, even if my future would be shackled to a reality I did not desire.

Declan moved me to his side, shielding me from the nearby men. “We have one spare room for guests. It’s not big, but it’s better than sleeping near the crew. You stay in there until I come get you. Things will be busy while we set sail.”

“Thank you, really.”

“Don’t thank me yet. You still haven’t met the captain.”

“Is he an evil man?” I whispered the question, and Declan laughed.

“I’ll let you be the judge of that.”

Father had talked about the great ships that sailed the Eternal Sea. TheRavagereasily fit into one of those tales, but not on the right side. Black sails matched the dreaded name carved into the side of the ship. Close to a hundred men shuffled around, preparing to leave, making the dock one bustling place.

Declan took me below deck, where the pine and linseed oil replaced the salty ocean air. The crowded corridor had two doors on the right, one large and another at the end near the back of the ship, right before a set of stairs leading down to another deck.

“Captain’s quarters are there.” Declan pointed to the far end. “You’ll be staying here.”

He opened the door, which led to a small cabin with one wide window looking out at the sea. White sheets covered the bed, and I politely ignored the discoloration in the center. Besides a wooden corner desk, an oval mirror, and a bronze chamber pot, the room held nothing else.

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